The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has raised concerns over the increasing involvement of parents in the malpractice of securing examination papers for their children.

WAEC has expressed dismay at the lengths to which some families go to help their wards pass exams dishonestly, describing it as a growing canker.

Speaking on JoyNews' EduTalk Show with Emefa Apawu, WAEC’s Deputy Registrar for the Arts and Business Subject Department, Lawrence Dogbetse, shed light on this alarming trend.

"Buying of question papers does not come from WAEC, but we know parents go round looking for them. It is now a canker, families are involved. I cannot just imagine a parent going around looking for question papers for their child to pass an exam. If the system requires students to think critically before answering questions, it becomes difficult for parents to justify buying exam questions," he said.

Mr. Dogbetse emphasised that the newly implemented curricular reforms, aimed at moving away from the "chew-and-pour" method of learning, focus on developing critical thinking skills.

The Deputy Registrar also highlighted the various security challenges WAEC faces during the examination process. He revealed that some question papers are intercepted during transit from WAEC depots to schools, with culprits snapping images and circulating them on social media platforms like WhatsApp.

"Some invigilators even snap the questions inside the exam room and send them out for solutions. There’s a whole syndicate involved. They all come together with an understanding that this is the game they want to play."

“We sensitise schools and students on what they should and shouldn’t do and warn them about the consequences of cheating. Our officers also visit schools to strengthen awareness and reinforce our internal operations to protect exam papers from being compromised," he indicated.

Despite the uphill battle, WAEC remains committed to ensuring that the examination process is free from fraud, ensuring that students' hard work and merit are recognised without external interference.